The Tam-Ring Gibbons Exhibit at Turtle Back Zoo in West Orange is open again after a $1.7 million renovation that replaced aging equipment and expanded the animals' living space.

Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo Jr. cut the ribbon on the updated exhibit Aug. 21, alongside zoo staff and county representatives, the West Essex Tribune reported. The exhibit first opened in 2009.

The overhaul touched nearly every part of the space. Workers replaced worn wire safety mesh with new netting, installed climbing towers, pergolas, viewing windows, columns and gates. They also enlarged the interior exhibit area and added new lighting and ventilation systems, according to NJ.com.

AB Contracting, based in Wharton, performed the construction. French and Parrello Engineers from Wall designed the improvements under a $168,800 contract.

Grants from the New Jersey Green Acres program and the Essex County Recreation and Open Space Trust Fund paid for the work.

DiVincenzo said in a statement published by NJ.com on Aug. 22 that the gibbons exhibit became a popular attraction the moment it opened in 2009, but much of the equipment had begun showing regular wear and tear. He said the upgrades will ensure animal safety and provide up-to-date conditions.

Turtle Back Zoo Director Dr. Jillian Fazio said in the same Aug. 22 report that the improvements align with the zoo's core principle of promoting animal health and welfare.

The gibbons renovation is the latest in a string of upgrades at the Essex County zoo. In July, the zoo opened a $4.9 million lemur exhibit that converted the former sea lion pool into a jungle habitat for endangered lemur species and Aldabra tortoises. A separate $7.9 million hoof stock barn project, which broke ground in July, is expected to bring zebras and additional bongos to the African Adventure exhibit by spring 2027.

Turtle Back Zoo is open seven days a week, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $22 for adults, $19 for seniors 62 and older and children ages 2 to 12, and free for children younger than 2. More information is available at turtlebackzoo.com or by calling 973-731-5800, Ext. 101.

Upcoming at the zoo: Construction on the new hoof stock barn is scheduled for completion in spring 2027.